Tailoring natural rubber properties through CaO nanoparticle integration and curing technique
AC conductivity; Elastomeric composites; PDD crosslinking; Sustainable materials
The present study investigates the development of natural rubber nanocomposites reinforced with calcium oxide nanoparticles and cured using pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine, a green crosslinker derived from glutaraldehyde and ammonia. calcium oxide nanoparticles (0.020.16wt%) were incorporated via latex blending, and composites were evaluated in both uncured and pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine -cured forms. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the calcium oxide nanoparticles were well dispersed and actively involved in crosslinking with the rubber matrix. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the cured composites had a more uniform surface and better distribution of nanoparticles. Mechanical testing revealed a remarkable tenfold increase in tensile strength from 0.217MPa to 8.478MPa and a significant improvement in elongation at break, rising from 666 to 1317% in the pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine -cured samples. The best mechanical performance was achieved at 0.10wt% calcium oxide. Dielectric measurements further highlighted an increase in permittivity and AC conductivity, especially in the cured composites, attributed to interfacial polarization and the formation of nanoparticle networks. Altogether, these results underline the synergistic benefits of calcium oxide nanoparticles and pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine curing in enhancing the structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties of natural rubber, making it a strong candidate for advanced elastomeric and dielectric applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences 2026.
Nibil, E.; Johns, Jobish; Binish, C.J.; Prakash, V.; Sujith, K.V.; Yeampon, N.; Athiyanathil, Sujith; Sham Aan, M.P.
Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-026-04656-1 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105030557225?origin=resultslist
Nibil E., Department of Chemistry & Centre Of Excellence in Materials Fabrication and Characterization, RV College of Engineering, Bangalore, India; Johns J., Department of Physics, Rajarajeswari College of Engineering, Bangalore, India; Binish C.J., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST-Deemed to Be University, Bangalore, India; Prakash V., Department of Physics, Payyanur College, Kerala, Payyanur, India; Sujith K.V., Department of Chemistry, Payyanur College, Kerala, Payyanur, India; Yeampon N., Sustainable Polymer & Innovative Composite Materials Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Mongkuts University of Technology, Bangkok, Thonburi, Thailand; Athiyanathil S., Department of Chemistry, NIT, Kerala, Calicut, India; Sham Aan M.P., Department of Chemistry & Centre Of Excellence in Materials Fabrication and Characterization, RV College of Engineering, Bangalore, India